There will be plenty of Cheltenham clues both during and after racing at Leopardstown today, with Mikael D'Haguenet and Forpadydeplaster among those due to take part in a schooling session.
Tranquil Sea, a 6-1 shot for the Ryanair, will be the shortest-priced Cheltenham candidate in competitive action when he lines up for the Grade 2 Newlands Chase at 4.20.
Edward O'Grady's impressive winner of the Paddy Power is around an 8-11 shot in the eight strong field, which inlcludes Gran National hopes Snowy Morning and Ballyholland, as well as the likes of Mansony, Made in Tapian and Aran Concerto.
But it is after racing finishes which could provide the biggest clues for Cheltenham, as many of the big guns are put through their paces in a special schooling session.
They include the Willie Mullins' Mikael D'Haguenet, the brilliant winner of last year's Ballymore who has been sidelined with a series of niggling injuries since scoring at the Punchestown Festival last April.
He holds engagements in both the Arkle and the RSA, and if he comes through today's test with flying colours he would be expected to line-up for the latter for which he is a top priced 14-1 shot.
Mullins will also give his Gold Cup hope Cooldine (12-1) a spin over the fences, whilst O'Grady will work the likes of Jumbo Rio, Osana, Fen Game and Capelanus.
Robbie Hennessy's 2007 Champion Hurdle winner Sublimity is also expected to be given a workout, along with Tom Cooper's Forpadydeplaster.
The latter was all but ruled out of the Queen Mother after bruising his foot and being found lame, but has made a remarkable recovery and worked very well in a recent spin at the Curragh when partnered by Paddy Flood.
Connections are keeping their fingers crossed that last year's Arkle hero comes through today's vital test sound, and if he shows no ill effects in the next couple of days he will be back on course for a crack at the Queen Mother for which he is a top priced 14-1.
